AAH June 2018

JUNE 2018

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BEN’S COLUMN

5

Milky Bar Kid in the Line of Fire

Parenting in the Fortnite & Haribo Age I’m sure that the group of MPs involved in the Health and Social Care Select Committee took the task of tackling childhood obesity seriously.

Its research must have led them down many paths; participation in physical exercise, social demographics, advertising practices, school meals and the emergence of mobile Apps that means a takeaway is just a click of a button away.

But these are minor contributors.

The true villain behind rising obesity levels that costs the NHS billions is The Milky Bar Kid. Back in the day, he was well known for being tough and strong. He once tipped treacle over a gunslinger who stole a hat in a wild west saloon. Later, he defeated a fire-breathing alien in space.

Now, the freckly, bespectacled youth stands accused of flogging junk food to kids.

One solution would be for the government to employ the secret services to “deal with the Milky Bar Kid.” Finding him wouldn’t be difficult, as there are very few outfitters that sell white Stetson hats in junior sizes. More problematic, however, is the team of marketing powerhouses around him, who also line their pockets at the expense of adolescent wellbeing. Tony The Tiger, The Pom Bear and The Honey Monster, to name but three.

This might sound a joke, but some well-known characters from the world of commercials have come under fire for encouraging children to eat unhealthy food.

It’s been suggested that brands should dispose of superhero personalities in adverts aimed at children, or at least consign them to post-watershed hours. After all, TV before 9pm should be reserved for innocent family entertainment like EastEnders and The Jeremy Kyle Show.

This was just one tiny detail in the government committee’s

mother with health problems including kidney failure. The living room shelf contained no photos.

Instead, it had five jars of boiled sweets and seven trade-size boxes of Kinder, Crunchie, Lion, Bounty, Snickers, After Eight and Double Decker chocolate bars.

Below the shelf was a rocking horse and a child’s Disney chair.

Now, it may be that the sweets are out of reach of the child or that the consummation of chocolate is carefully managed at this house, but I think it’s fair to say that this level of exposure to junk food is difficult to legislate for.

JUNE 2018 Ben Morris: Words & Design Toby Phillips: Photography Thanks

Jeremy Knight of Horsham Museum for text and images for the feature on Horsham Railway (p64) Morag Warrack for additional images of her art (p36) Katherine Lawrie for additional images of her jewellery (p24) The Sheep Dairy for the free samples of ice cream and milk shake (p31) To everyone who wrote to Ben after his column about his Grandma in May’s edition. She’ll be back with her slippers on the delivery run soon!

conclusions to its report. But you wouldn’t think so from the media coverage.

When it came to headlines about the review into the complex issues surrounding obesity, a host of major media outlets angled their story on the Milky Bar Kid and Tony the Tiger.

It is indicative of the current editorial stance of the BBC that it followed the likes of ITV and The Mirror in making the evergreen distributor of white chocolate the focus of its coverage.

The BBC didn’t even mention that only two months ago, the Swiss chocolate company the Milky Bar Kid employs to make his bars announced that its new recipe would contain 30% less sugar.

It could have angled its story on the genuinely interesting ideas that the committee put forward, like banning the promotion of confectionary at checkouts, or making calories labelling

universally applicable.

As I looked through the conclusions of the report, I noticed that the committee touches on arguably the toughest hurdle with its 30th and final point. It’s a carefully-worded point as its is difficult for a political report to state aloud. And it concerns parental judgment.

The report states: ‘The Government must ensure there are robust systems in place not only to identify children who are overweight or obese, but to ensure that these children are offered effective help through a multidisciplinary, family-centric approach.”

Which is a round-about way of saying that parents have to be involved too. Which is easier said than done.

I was watching an episode of The Housing Enforcers recently in which Matt Allwright met a

I’m fortunate in that my sons play football and rugby, and enjoy healthy, home-cooked meals every day. We restrict confectionery to one packet of fun-size sweets or Rocky bars in the weekly family shop.

But like all parents, we face a constant battle on many fronts.

The boys will sometimes raid their piggy bank, ride up to the shops and come home with a Dairy Milk Oreo bar, a bag of Haribo or a Mars milk shake.

They will plead for McDonalds every time we drive by one. They will moan when we tell that it’s time to stop playing Fortnite on the X-Box, stomp up the stairs when we hide the TV remote after two hours of Pokemon cartoons, and go into meltdown when we tell them that they’re going back to a packed lunch as daily dinner money isn’t supposed to be spent on a cookie and an Oasis drink.

We make a song and dance out of this stuff, just to ensure that they know it’s not something they can get away with. They don’t want to hear it and may think it’s unfair, but moderation is key.

And that is overwhelmingly the responsibility of parents.

Yes, the Milky Bar Kid may be a contributing factor. But parents take the Lion’s share of responsibility.

Ben

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CONTENTS 10

News Round-up

Wabi closes, Plum Jam pictures and Matt Gillan heads to The Foresters

24

Business Katherine Lawrie creates unique jewellery inspired by the natural world

31

Food & Drink The Sheep Dairy in Sedgwick is offering an alternative to cow’s milk

36 Art

Morag Warrack paints colourful scenes of English wildlife and gardens

42

Music Horsham singer Mailman is aiming high with his second album, ‘Yang Yin’

COVER STORY: JUNE 2018 Our June cover features Morag Warrack painting in the back garden of her Horsham home.

We were lucky with the weather. Morag was enjoying the bright sunshine and was nearing completion of a painting of her own garden. The traditional wooden easel looked great too, splattered with hundreds of multi-coloured paint marks.

With Morag’s bright apron thrown into the mix, it didn’t really need a photographer’s eye to spot that the scene was set for an

EDITOR: BEN MORRIS editor@aahorsham.co.uk 01403 878026 / 01903 892899 LETTERS: The Editor, AAH Magazine, 2 Viney Close, Ashington, RH20 3PT ADVERTISING: KELLY MORRIS advertising@aahorsham.co.uk 01403 878026 / 01903 892899

49

Sun Oak Clog keep alive a dancing tradition dating back to the 19th century

WEBSITE: www.aahorsham.co.uk We publish AAH online every month. You can read archive editions too.

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Retail FairKind Child in Horsham offers a very different type of shopping experience

60

One to Watch Juliet Webber has written a fantasy fiction novel at the age of only 15

64

History Jeremy Knight looks at how Horsham supported its Railway Station

Other contenders for the front cover include musician Mailman leaning against Bill’s restaurant, a VW Campervan at Plum Jam (also in Market Square) and Becky van der Borgh of The Sheep Dairy.

AAH: THE TEAM

PHOTOGRAPHY: TOBY PHILLIPS www.tobyphillipsphotography.co.uk info@tobyphillipsphotography.co.uk 07968 795625

Group Discussion

ideal front cover for a summer edition.

Nonetheless, Toby did need to earn his money by overpowering the brightness of the sun. He set up two studio lights in the garden for this, otherwise much of the photo would have been in shadow.

ADVERTISING Eighth Page Advert: £55 + VAT Quarter Page Advert: £110 + VAT Half Page Advert: £185 + VAT Full Page Advert: £310 + VAT Every Sixth Advert is Free For details or an AAH information book email advertising@aahorsham.co.uk or call 01403 878026 ARCHIVE EDITIONS/PHOTO SALES Past editions can be purchased for a cost of £3.

Contact the Editor.

Images can be purchased, either as digital downloads or prints. Contact Toby for details.

DOOR TO DOOR DISTRIBUTION Horsham: Max Paterson, Jacquie Paterson, Dominic Goddard, John Gatehouse, Kathryn Bland, Lewis Spiller, Richard Judd, Pat Gibbs, The Cocoracchio family, Tom Hayler, George Voisey, Gemma Voisey, Mattie Boys, Katie Drysdale, George Williams, Edward Hitchings,

Southwater: Connor Brown, Jack Taylor Villages: Samuel Dauncey (Mannings Heath) Adam Browse (Warnham) Tommy Charlwood (Ashington), Ben Morris (Stands), Mike Hoare (Nuthurst), Connor Wykes (Partridge Green), Oak Tree Farm Care (Maplehurst & Copsale); The Palmer family & Amy Butler (BBH); James Hobbs (Thakeham), Callum Matthews (Storrington) PICK UP POINTS 4,000 more copies are available at businesses, clubs, organisations, and community centres across the district.

Our stands can be found at...

Horsham: Henry Adams (Carfax), Artisan Patisserie (Market Square), Pavilions in the Park, Horsham Museum, Horsham Rail Station, Crates (Carfax) New House Farm, Swan Walk, The Capitol, NEw Street Butchers (New Street) Village Stands: CoCo’s (Southwater); Billingshurst Leisure Centre, Coco’s (Billingshurst) Barns Green Village Store and Sumners Ponds, Broadbridge Heath Leisure Centre, Bluecoat Sports (Christ’s Hospital).

NOTES: We have a new stand at New Street Butchers in Horsham. We’re also looking for distributors in the villages of Slinfold and West Chiltington.

If you would like more details, email Ben at editor@aahorsham.co.uk.

LEAFLETS We can deliver leaflets with copies of AAH. Please email editor@aahorsham.co.uk for details and distribution details.

The cost is £40 + VAT per 1,000 copies (£45 for A4 leaflets) SOCIAL MEDIA You can follow Ben and Toby on Twitter @AAHMagazine and @tobyphillips1 AAH is not on Facebook.

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Wabi owners and management pictured in September 2014 (AAH/Toby Phillips)

Wabi, the contemporary Japanese restaurant on East Street, Horsham, closed on 27 May. Having received an offer “too good to turn down”, owners Paul and Verity Craig sold the site to Brewhouse & Kitchen, which offers a modern pub experience with a micro-brewery twist.

A statement on Wabi’s website reads: “Having established nearly nine years ago, we are sure that many of our valued customers will be sad to hear that Wabi is closing. The owners would like to thank those of you that have supported, enjoyed and been associated with Wabi. We wish you all well.”

Wabi overcame setbacks, most notably 2014’s devastating fire, to become a popular destination. It’s unique dining experience and excellent food ensured its popularity, whilst Wabi’s cocktails made it a stylish social hot-spot too.

Unforgettable, a film written and directed by a young local team, will premiere at The Capitol, Horsham, on Sunday 1 July, at 6pm. Unforgettable is a story about two desperate people of very different ages and backgrounds, coming together at difficult stages of their lives. The Graded Films team, including director Freddie Hill, writer Phil Davis, composer Ed Waller, cinematographer Tom Carter, producer Jacob Thomas and a small team of actors, have spent a year taking the project from a concept to the big screen. Tickets cost £6 from www.thecapitolhorsham.com

The Crown Inn at Dial Post has named ‘Best Pub in the South East’ at The Countryside Alliance Awards.

Owners Penny and James Middleton Burn received the award at a ceremony at the House of Lords, where they met Horsham MP Jeremy Quin.

Penny said: “Having lived in Dial Post for most of my life, this feels like a very special achievement that I share with all our customers. We are all about country life, local people, local produce and loyal customers from all walks of life.” www.crown-inn-dialpost.co.uk

St Mary’s Flower Festival pictured for AAH in 2014

NEWS ROUND-UP

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The Parish church of St Mary’s in Horsham holds its popular Flower Festival on 14 – 17 June.

This year’s theme is ‘Inspired’ and is based on books, musicals, music and works of art inspired by the Christian story.

An opening concert is held on Wednesday 13 June at 7.30pm, with St Mary’s Church Choir performing with soloists and musicians. Children from St Mary’s School will be country dancing in the Causeway on Thursday 14 June at 2pm, with the flower festival open 10am -

6pm, Thursday to Saturday and 12.30 – 4.30pm on Sunday.

Sunday’s closing celebration service is held at 6.30pm. All are welcome to visit and enjoy the arrangements and “be inspired”.

Funds raised will go to the ‘Thanks a Million’ conservation and renewal project.

NEWS ROUND-UP Art by Alison Ingram, Lunella Florence, Iris Bishop and Kezia Noel-Paton (Clockwise from top)

The Horsham Artist Open Studios (HAOS) Art Trail will be held over two weekends on 9 - 10 and 16 17 June.

The event sees about 60 of the best artists and makers in the district presenting their work at their homes, studios or gardens.

Tour the rural villages as well as venues across Horsham town to see the work of painters, jeweller makers, ceramic artists, sculptors, wood turners and more.

It is also a chance to talk to artists, gain an insight into their working practice and discuss techniques used.

Artists include Lesley Taylor, Jo Willis, Lunella Florence, Claire Morris, Brenda Finch, Paul Baden, Angela Brittain, Kevin Meeten, Denise Bliss, Iris Bishop, Lucy Cotter, Janine Creaye and Keith Coomber. A Trail map can be downloaded at horshamartistsopenstudios.co.uk

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Tel: 01403 710422 Mob: 07974 062561 Email: matthew.wykes@sjpp.co.uk Web: www.matthewwykes.co.uk Horsham Park hosts a Fake Festival on Saturday 30 June, from 12pm - 11pm.

The event sees six professional level tribute bands playing in a giant marquee. The evening is headlined by Coldplay tribute Coldplace, whilst other acts scheduled to perform include Oasish (Oasis), Guns2Roses (Guns ‘n’ Roses), The Jam’d (The Jam), Stereotonics (Stereophonics) and The Police Force (The Police). www.fakefestivals.co.uk

Victor Jannels, chairman and founder of AToM, has received an award for his ‘Outstanding Contribution’ to the mortgage industry. The British Specialist Lending Awards ceremony, hosted by comedian Andy Parsons, was held at the London Waldorf Hotel.

Vic thanked everyone for their kind support and nominations.

AToM’s Abbie Gaul, Neal Jannels and Dale Jannels were all finalists in various categories. www.atomltd.co.uk

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Matt Gillan, who earned a Michelin star as head chef at The Pass at South Lodge, is overseeing the menu at The Forester’s pub in Horsham.

The acclaimed chef announced the launch of new casual dining brand Electro Pirate, to be offered at the St Leonard’s Road pub from 7 June.

Matt has most recently been working with Redroaster at The Pike & Pine Restaurant in Brighton, in what is described as a “modern day interpretation of a coffee house.” He will split his time between the two locations.

Matt said: “My career started in a pub and it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. By only having to look after the food side of The Foresters, myself and the team can give the menu our full attention.” www.theforestershorsham.co.uk

Matt Gillan pictured at The Pass in 2015 (AAH/Toby Phillips)

NEWS ROUND-UP

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The Horsham Riverside Walk will be held on Saturday 14 July, beginning at Horsham Rugby Club at 10am. The Riverside Walk is a circular 13-mile walk passing through woodland, pastures and farmland. The route includes mills, the remains of a motte and bailey castle and Leechpool Woods. The Horsham Town Community Partnership organises the popular walk for local causes. www.horsham.community/ 2018-annual-riverside-walk/

MARTYN EDWARDS

Gerry Stanford, a stalwart of Horsham Bridge Club for over 40 years, has received the Gladys Hakki Trophy. It is awarded annually to a Sussex member who has given outstanding service to county and club.

Gerry has played for the county team and served as vice-chairman, tournament manager and editor of the year book.

Recently, he has taught youth bridge at Collyer’s and Farlington School. www.horshambridge.co.uk Pictured: Gerry Stanford (right) receives the trophy from Martin Pool, President of Sussex County Contract Bridge Association.

(Photo: Andrea Galpin)

The Broadbridge Heath Gala Summer Fete will be held on the village common on Saturday 23 June, from 2 - 5pm. Run

by Broadbridge Heath Gala Association, the fete includes fairground rides, bouncy castles, a tug-o’-war competition, cake and sweets and a variety of stalls.

There will be arena displays by Horsham Bluebelles and a local Kung-Fu school, with plenty of food and refreshments, including a Pimm’s tent.

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Photo of Harris’s Funfair taken in Ashington in August 2012 (AAH/Toby Phillips)

Wiston Steam Rally will be held at Wiston Park, Steyning Road, Steyning on 7 - 8 July, from 9am 5pm. The rally has over 1,000 exhibits, ranging from steam traction engines to vintage vehicles.

There will be displays of buses, tractors, cars, lorries, military vehicles and motorcycles. A ‘Working Area’ features steampowered demonstrations including woodcutting at the saw benches and stationary engines. There will also be rides from Harris's Old Tyme Funfair.

Tickets £8 (OAPs £6/children 5-15 £5/under 5’s free) from www.sussexsteamrally.co.uk

Heron Way Primary School’s Summer Fete is held on Sunday 1 July, 12 - 3pm. The school is celebrating its 50th anniversary this summer and as part of the school’s celebrations, Heron Way PTA is welcoming former staff and pupils to come along to help create a celebratory atmosphere. There will be free entry with tea, coffee and cake to anyone attending with a photo from their time at the school, with tours available for alumni.

The day includes traditional fete games, pony rides, bungee trampolines, a 70ft bouncy assault course and a slime making stall.

All are welcome to attend.

AN EVENING WITH SIR GEOFF HURST Hear Sir Geoff talk amusingly about his illustrious West Ham and England career.

A great event for football fans!

VIP Meet and Greet tickets available

WEDNESDAY 4 JULY 8PM

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Picture: Enchanted Horsham

NEWS ROUND-UP

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Enchanted Horsham, a summer wonderland featuring shopping, food, music and entertainment for all the family, comes to Horsham Park on 27 – 29 July.

There’s an eclectic mix of live acoustic, jazz, reggae, samba and salsa music, with roving bands too. Enjoy a range of shops in a boutique market with arts, crafts and food and drink from local producers. A fashion tent will host catwalk shows throughout the

day. The Illuminated Circus Tent houses a range of acrobats, street theatre performers and neon-lit dancers. There will be life-size puppet shows, a funfair and a chance to meet the Enchanted Unicorn. At dusk, Secret Illuminated Gardens bring fairies to life. Advance tickets are now on sale. Enter the code LOCAL for a 25% discount in June.

Children under 16 free. www.enchantedhorsham.co.uk

NEWS ROUND-UP

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Discounted advance tickets for the Loxwood Joust are now available. The event returns to Loxwood Meadow on the 4 – 5 and 11 – 12 August, from 10am 6pm each day. This unique, fun and educational day out for all the family includes jousting, a mediaeval market place, bird of prey demonstrations, battle re-enactments and live music.

Youngsters will love the sword school and the Masked Executioner’s gory stories.

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Horsham Museum and Art Gallery is hosting a film photography exhibition by NEG35, running now until 11 August.

The display featured the work of Paul Holmes and Sarah Ash, founders of Crawley-based NEG35 Film Photography, which aims to spread appreciation of film images. Paul’s work has an emphasis on street photography and includes images from a recent trip to China. Sarah uses film, poetry and multimedia to create art with no digital intervention. www.horshammuseum.org

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The English Festival, held in Horsham on 12-13 May, celebrated all things English.

There was a medieval market, a Morris Minor display and folk music in the town centre.

Based around the Day of Dance, organised by Broadwood Morris Men, the event attracted â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;sidesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; performing traditional Morris styles including Cotswold, North West, Border and Step Clog.

Read our feature on Sun Oak Step Clog on Page 49.

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NEWS ROUND-UP

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The Almost Elvis Band and (below) Solice

The Horsham Garden Music Festival will be staged in the Human Nature Garden in Horsham Park in July.

Held over two weekends, each day features a different genre of music. Folk acts perform on 14 July in collaboration with Horsham Folk Club, with bands including Hickory Signals and Hatful of Rain. The Almost Elvis Band perform a ticketed concert in the evening.

A carnival-themed concert on 15 July features The Boom Tribe Samba Band, Euphoria Steel Band, Mr. G and the Bluebeats and The Haywards Heath Concert Band.

The second weekend opens with a rock day featuring Blues Hunter, Axis, Band of Dads, Objayda and Solice. The final

day has a pop theme with music by Wesley Lucas, as well as Horsham’s 70-strong Rock Choir. The concerts on 15, 21 and 22 open with a Young Performer Showcase. There’ll be lots of activities for children and local food and drink stalls. For details, visit the HGMF Facebook page.

Football 4 Kids (F4K) is running a series of safe, fun-filled and exciting sessions locally this summer. The focus is on helping children of all abilities improve their footballing skills, as well as their fitness levels.

Sessions generally consist of a warm-up to music, games based around fitness and technical work, before finishing with a match. F4K welcomes players of all skill levels, including newcomers to the game, and offers a free trial session.

Sessions are held at Southwater Leisure Centre every Tuesday (term time) from 4.30 – 5.30pm, Steyning Grammar School (Rock Road campus) every Wednesday from 4.30 – 5.30pm and at Rawson Hall, Bolney, every Sunday from 9:30 - 10:30am (7 - 10yrs) and 10:45 11:45am (4 - 6yrs).

For more details call Dan East on 07488 342290.

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Toby Phillips Photography

Sixth Form drama pupils at Christ’s Hospital School recently had the privilege of working with the actor Roger Allam.

The Old Blue (former pupil) ran a workshop focused on The Tempest, drawing on his experience of playing Prospero in the Globe production of the play in 2013.

Roger, who has enjoyed a long and impressive career in theatre, film and television, also participated in a question and answer session. Pupils asked about his roles in programmes including The Thick of It and Game of Thrones.

Roger Allam was a Christ’s Hospital pupil from 1964 - 1972.

Horsham Harmony presents an Afternoon Tea Concert at the Drill Hall, Denne Road, Horsham, on Saturday 21 July, at 3pm.

Horsham Harmony is a daytime community choir that supports local charities and sings in retirement and care homes. They will perform a range of folk songs, classical choral pieces and popular music from different eras to raise funds for Admiral Nurses.

The choir has around 40 singers, men and women, and meets at the Barn on the Causeway on Wednesdays from 11am 12.30pm. Admission to the concert is free, with homemade cakes and drinks available for a donation. For further information call Rachel Musgrove on 01483 565554 or email rachel@horshamharmony.co.uk

The 93rd West Chiltington Village Show will be held at The Recreation Ground, Mill Road on Saturday 14 July, from 1:30pm. The village’s largest annual event showcases local arts, crafts, floral displays, home produce, vegetables and more.

This year’s show includes Ladies who Boogie, Storrington Air Cadets, Owls About Town, Professor Potty, The Silver Band (pictured) a dog show and the legendary Tug-o’-War. www.westchiltingtonvillageshow.org To submit News/Events for consideration in this section, email Ben Morris at editor@aahorsham.co.uk

Photos courtesy of HDC/Toby Phillips Photography

NEWS ROUND-UP

18

There was a great turnout at Plum Jam, Horsham’s Volkswagen show, on Sunday 27 May. Owners of all sorts of Campervans and Beetles pitched up in the town centre, with unexpected good weather boosting the turnout of this growing event. local bands, singers and dance groups including Ella Davin, Joni Loves Chachi, Nikki Loy and Rhythm and Sole Street Dance entertained from the Bandstand.

The event is organised by Plum Campers, Food Rocks and Horsham District Council.

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The Shipley Arts Festival continues with a string of concerts and performances.

The Wilding Concert will be held at Knepp Castle, West Grinstead, on Sunday 17 June, at 5pm. Sally Beamish will be performing with the Stradivarius Piano Trio.

Music includes Grieg’s Andante con moto in C minor, Debussy’s Prélude No. X, and John Ireland/ Roderick Williams’ ‘Sea Fever’.

Tickets cost £41.50.

The Bernardi Music Group with Graham Salter (oboe) and Bruce Martin (flute) play at The Blue Idol

Quaker Meeting House on Oldhouse Lane, Coolham, on Friday 6 July, at 7.30pm. An uplifting programme celebrates the life of William Penn 300 years after his death and includes work

by Telemann, Handel and Morricone. Tickets £27.50.

American composer David Schiff performs at Durrance Manor, Smithers Hill Lane, Shipley, on Saturday 14 July, at 7.30pm. Tickets: £37.50.

For details about all events visit www.shipleyartsfestival.co.uk

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NEWS ROUND-UP Horsham Chamber Choir presents Bach and Beyond at St John the Evangelist Church, Springfield Road, Horsham on Saturday 23 June, at 8pm. The choir perform Bach's motet Jesu meine Freude, plus works for choir and organ by 19th century composers inspired by Bach, including motets by Mendelssohn, Brahms and Reinberger.

Tickets £13 (under 18s £6) from information@horsham-chamberchoir.org.uk or call 07730 983314.

SWALK, as annual walk organised by Look Good Feel Better, takes place on Sunday 8 July. Hundreds of people will come together to stroll through the undulating surrounding of Denbies Vineyard in the Surrey Hills.

Suitable for all ages, this family and dog friendly event will offer supporters the choice of a 10km or 5km route, with finishers receiving a SWALK goody bag.

Look Good Feel Better is the only cancer support charity specifically set up to help people manage the visible side effects of their cancer treatment.

Entry is £20 (children £5) at www.lgfb-swalk.co.uk

Cliff Comber, well-known in Horsham as the founder of the Alfred Shrubb Fun Run, has turned his hand to crime fiction.

‘Running for His Lives’ is dedicated to a retired Crawley police sergeant renowned for his tireless work with underprivileged children. The first part of the book is inspired by the true story of his own troublesome childhood in Brighton, before he joined the Army.

The book finds Dennis ‘Dutch’ French determined to rid himself of the nightmare memories of his childhood; orphaned as an infant when his father is killed in action, his mother’s suicide had a profound effect.

Having turned his life around, his peace is shattered when his wife is viciously assaulted, triggering a series of fatal events. The book is available as a paperback on Amazon.

Saturday 23 June 2018 8pm

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NEWS ROUND-UP

22

Armed Forces Sunday will be held in Horsham’s Carfax on Sunday 1 July, from 11am - 3pm. There will be a static display of historic military vehicles as well as a band parade, displays by Armed Forces charities, food stalls and music.

Organised by the Royal British Legion.

Partridge Green Open Gardens is held on 16 - 17 June, from 11am - 5pm.

Twenty-two gardens are opening, with six new locations. It’s a chance to see beautiful designs, compact plots and hidden jewels.

The Scarecrow Trail is also a big part of the village walkabout. Now in its seventh year, the event has so far raised over £12,000 for good causes.

Leaflets will be available on the day from Bluebells Nursery, next to Jolesfield Primary School, Littleworth Lane, RH13 8JE. Parking is available behind the village hall.

The Sandgate Singers’ next concert, Songs from the Shows, will be held at Steyning Grammar School (Rock Road Rydon site), Thakeham, on Saturday 30 June, at 3pm. Tickets cost £10 (children free) and include tea and cakes. They are available from The Card Shop, Storrington, or from (01903) 741984. www.sandgatesingers.com

To submit News/Events for consideration in this section, email Ben Morris at editor@aahorsham.co.uk

After a successful launch last year, which saw 12,000 people participate in the first Funday Sunday, the Rotary Club of Horsham has announced that the event will return on Sunday 8 July, from 12 – 6pm. The free family event in Horsham Park will include a Children’s Zone, Sports Zone, Eco Zone, 999 Zone and Benson’s fun fair. New features will include a live performance arena and a tug-o’-war contest. Reservations are currently being taken from local organisations, businesses, charities and individuals who would like to participate. For information, email horshamrotary@btconnect.com

Supermarket chain Lidl has confirmed that it hopes to build a new store in Foundry Lane, Horsham. Subject to the approval of its planning application, the supermarket - at the former site of bedding store Dreams - would include a 1,000m² store and 52 parking spaces.

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24

SOLDERING

We meet Katherine Lawrie, who crafts beautiful and unique jewellery inspired by the natural surroundings of her Wiston studio.

Katherine learned how to craft jewellery at a young age.

Her father, Gordon Lawrie, would design and make pieces influenced by Anglo-Saxon myths and legends.

Working from a large workshop on the family farm near Steyning, there was plenty of space for Katherine to develop her own ideas.

“I would make pocket money making simple jewellery for friends,” says Katherine.

“At my dad’s annual Christmas exhibition, he would let me sell my own work to his customers and that’s how my interest grew.

I won the Young Craftsman of the Year competition at the South of England Show when I was 18 and gradually my skills improved.”

BUSINESS

25

Most of Katherine’s creations are imprinted silver.

Inspired by the rural environment, she creates unique pieces using anything from maple leaves to poppy seeds.

“Using the rolling mill, I imprint a natural item on to silver, before shaping and polishing it,” said Katherine.

“There’s a lot of trial and error, as some plants imprint better than others. My early work tended to feature hydrangea petals, as they dry naturally in the garden and imprint very well. Gradually, I’ve expanded the range to include walnut, maple and oak tree imprints. I’ve always thought it as a happy accident when it works!”

ON

Katherine studied textile design at college before opting to pursue her interest in jewellery at the Surrey Institute of Art and Design.

She furthered her education at Edinburgh College of Art and by the time of her graduation, Gordon had moved to America, leaving behind all the tools and space that Katherine required to launch a business.

“Most silver and goldsmiths work in a confined space, because you don't need much room. The job requires a soldering area, tool rack, a rolling mill, a polishing machine and a drill, which you could theoretically squeeze into a cupboard under the stairs. You don't need three bays of a converted stable, so I'm very fortunate.”

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Most of Katherine’s work is imprinted on sterling silver, which has soared in value.

When she started the business, a 6” x 6” sheet of silver cost about £50, a price that has increased four-fold. Gold is only purchased for commissioned pieces, as its value is so high.

“When people remark that my prices have risen, that's the reason why!” says Katherine.

“The work of a silversmith is often undervalued. People don’t appreciate that everything

is unique. You’ve taken the time to imprint, cut, shape and polish a piece and solder carefully selected semi-precious stones.

At the end, you have something that nobody else in the world has. It's not like walking into a Pandora store with thousands of casted pieces. An item may cost £200, but it's taken 10 hours to make. When you consider the cost of materials and the fact that the maker must pay the Assay Office to have it hallmarked, the price isn’t much at all.”

Katherine’s most recent work is inspired by British wildlife, with pieces including a pendant of a rabbit leaping over Chanctonbury Ring.

The natural theme runs across a range of items including necklaces, earrings, bangles, rings, bracelets, cufflinks and even bridal hairpieces.

“Each piece tells a story,” says Katherine. “The Chanctonbury rabbits is my bestseller as it’s a popular local spot. I also have jewellery featuring bumblebees, hares, foxes, ravens, deer, owls and cormorants, and other Sussex locations like Cissbury Ring.

“I've just started a range of red kites, as they've recently been spotted around Steyning. I’ve only tapped the surface of the wildlife theme. I could easily expand with butterflies, insects and other birds in the area.”

BUSINESS

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Katherineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work is so accurate that she has been a member of the Society of Botanical Artists since 2012. Some pieces are currently at a society exhibition at the Palmengarten in Frankfurt. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The pieces must be botanically correct,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I'm very fortunate to have been a member since 2013, but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve still got a lot to learn. You're always learning in this trade. I host jewellery making workshops and most of my students are over 50 and some have been in the industry a long time. There are always skills to learn and new materials to work with.â&#x20AC;?

For more details about Katherineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s art and for information on her jewellery making workshops, visit the website at http://www.klawriejewellery.co.uk/classes/ INTERVIEW: BEN MORRIS PHOTOS: TOBY PHILLIPS

Many of Katherineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pieces have semi-precious stones including moonstone, tanzanite, rose quartz, aquamarine, opal and citrine. Often, the colours of the stone will inspire an entire piece.

She has also designed pieces incorporating casted features, most notably acorns, available in rose gold, yellow gold or silver.

Katherine also loves rubies and sapphires, but tends not to buy in diamonds unless they are for a commissioned engagement ring.

As well as operating an online shop, she sells at open house exhibitions, art and craft exhibitions and galleries. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I sell at Julian Stephens in the Brighton Lanes and participate in temporary exhibitions,â&#x20AC;? said Katherine. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was one of five local women taking part in The Not So Famous Five exhibition at The Oxmarket earlier this year. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m also involved in the Steyning Arts Trail and the Adur Art Collective Trail in June.â&#x20AC;?

Quality Service

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Quality, Craftmanship & Value

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31

Pull the Udder One! Sedgwick Farm Takes the Unusual Step of Milking its Sheep The Sheep Dairy has taken the rare step of milking its flock for small scale production of sheep’s milk.

As it launches a new range of milkshakes, we visited Top Paddock Farm at Bulls Farm in Sedgwick and met Matt and Becky van der Borgh, owners of the company.

Here, Becky discusses the challenges of the business...

‘Sheep milk tastes more like cow’s milk, albeit creamier and with a greater amount of protein and calcium.”

ever thought about milking sheep, which we hadn’t. We researched it and there were financial advantages. With meat farming, you take sheep to market and are paid whatever they fetch, whereas with milk, we could set the price. However, we didn’t make the switch until five years ago.

How long have you been in farming?

Matt grew up on Bulls Farm and his parents, Jonathan and Sarah, ran a cow dairy. After a few years living in Australia, Matt and I returned to the farm 10 years ago, moving into the cottage next to his parents’ farmhouse. By that time, the dairy had long since closed and the family had a small flock of sheep for meat production.

Was it a difficult transition?

Yes, as we had to buy a new flock. Our sheep had been bred for meat, so we sold the flock to raise funds for 100 Friesland sheep. Most sheep dairies choose Lacaune sheep, which are better suited to cheese production, but we were always interested in milk. As a small farm, the margins for producing for cheese makers were minimal and better suited to large scale producers.

Having said that, we did sell our milk to the excellent High Weald Dairy for a time.

When did you first consider milking?

We went to a national farming event called Sheep 2000, hoping to pick up some ideas.

The farm wasn’t making enough money off the meat to be sustainable, but we didn’t want to lose it. Someone asked us if we’d

Does the farm operate like a cow dairy?

Our sheep are entirely grass fed in our fields here in Sedgwick. We herd the sheep to the milking parlour, which we bought from a Cornish farmer who had ceased milk production. The milk is pasteurised to give

Becky van der Borgh with The Sheep Dairy’s range of milk and shakes.

FOOD & DRINK

32

“Some people turn to sheep’s milk because they are allergic to cow’s milk.” it a longer shelf life, and is then frozen until it is distributed. We milk seven days a week for six to eight months of the year.

What happens to the sheep after the milking period?

The sheep go in the field with the rams and the process begins again. We have a Friesland ram, a Lacaune ram and a Charollais meat ram. When dairy sheep (which have little meat content) cross with a meat sheep, the result is more conformation. The rams are introduced to the flock on 5 November and in February the sheep are scanned to find out which of them is pregnant.

It’s lovely when the lambs arrive.

Our children all enjoy getting involved and we also have students from agricultural and veterinary colleges in the area

coming in to help us and gain vital experience in the industry.

What does sheep’s milk taste like?

Most people assume it’s going to taste like goat’s milk, but it

doesn't. It tastes more like cow’s milk, albeit creamier. It contains a greater amount of protein and calcium than cow’s milk and has smaller fat molecules, so it's easier to digest.

Then why aren’t we all drinking sheep’s milk?

The main reason is that it is more expensive. A pint retails for about £2.10 and a four-pint carton is about £7. That’s down to the small amount of milk that sheep produce. Every day, we take less than two litres from each sheep in our small flock, whereas a cow will give six to nine litres. That makes a significant difference to the price and that’s why it’s difficult to convince people to try sheep’s milk. The margins are very small.

Do you promote sheep’s milk for its health benefits?

One of the main reasons that people turn to sheep’s milk is that they are allergic to cow’s milk. If you visit a supermarket, there’s no shortage of

FOOD & DRINK

33

Dale Jannels Director, AToM Ltd TEL: 01403 272625

www.atomltd.co.uk

Later Life Mortgages I’ve mentioned lending in to later life a number of times over the last few months. It’s a market that is heavily underserved and one that a number of lenders are looking to assist over the coming months.

At the moment, it’s a product range only really offered by the smaller lenders who can think on a case by case basis and take all things in to consideration. However, just recently, some of the larger lenders are realising what a huge market this is and are taking action.

On the high street, some lenders will now consider applications from those over 55 and allow a term up to their 80th or 85th birthdays.

At this point, the mortgage must be repaid.

So credit to Aldermore, a ‘challenger bank’, who have looked at what is on offer, taken many considerations in to account and launched a true alternative to Equity Release in the form of a ‘Lending in to Later Life’ product.

The key highlights are that you can apply up to your 85th birthday, they will allow a mortgage term up to age 99 and they will consider Interest Only. They will also consider allowing retired borrowers to remortgage their interest only loan when it comes to an end, using the sale of their property as a means of repaying the debt.

alternatives. You can try goat’s milk, rice milk, organic milk, soy milk, coconut milk, almond milk, hemp milk and many others.

Certainly, when you compare the cost of sheep’s milk to something like soy milk, the price is reasonable. However, nobody really thinks of sheep’s milk, as you don’t see it very often. We know of only one other sheep dairy in the country producing for milk rather than cheese.

It’s a difficult sell then?

It is a niche market. However, those who do try sheep’s milk have given us great feedback.

We’ve had instances where babies have been given sheep’s milk because of an allergy to cow milk and its had a dramatic, positive impact on their development. One testimonial

concerned a very poorly baby who wasn't holding down any milk until a doctor recommended she try sheep’s milk when she was seven months old. She's been growing on it ever since.

You also make ice cream?

I started making ice cream three years ago and it’s branded as Friezee. I was so confident that it would sell that I made far too much and filled the freezer! It didn’t pan out quite as I hoped and now we only produce ice cream in small batches. We make Madagascan vanilla, chocolate orange, mint chocolate chip, lemon, chocolate and creamy caramel flavours. I’m also looking at making a rhubarb and ginger ice cream. I love to experiment and often make a special blend for country shows or events. Our

In order to qualify for the interest only option, borrowers must have a minimum of 40% equity in their property and can choose from a range of two, three, five and ten year fixed rate deals. There is also a variable rate option and if on a repayment basis, the loan can be offered up to 75% of the property value, all subject to terms, conditions and affordability.

This product will also allow home owners to release capital to help family members with deposits for new properties, release equity to help with future income requirements, pay existing debts, or help with inheritance tax planning, and so on.

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With only four companies in the UK having access to its limited launch (including AToM), it shows that lenders are looking for controlled distribution and expertise, for this very specialist arena.

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34

coconut mango ice cream was well received, as was the Christmas brandy ice cream.

Does it taste different to regular ice cream?

People often say it is pitched somewhere between sorbet and ice cream. I must have tried 60 different ways of making ice cream before finding the right method, which involved less sugar content than usual and a plant-based gum thickener. I wanted the production process to be as natural as possible.

You’ve now expanded with a milkshake range?

We've talked about making shakes for a long time, as the high protein content is well suited to the health and fitness drinks market. We’re currently only making strawberry and chocolate flavours and we hope to sell the milkshake at select outlets soon. As farmers, we’re not always the best at selfpromoting and placing the product in front of the right people!

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RURAL LIFE

“As farmers, we’re not always the best at self-promoting and placing the product in front of the right people!”

So, where can we buy your milk?

We supply several local farm shops including Crates in Horsham, The Village Larder in Washington, Oakwood Farm in North Chailey and Weston's Farm in Itchingfield.

WORDS: BEN MORRIS PICTURES: TOBY PHILLIPS Visit the online shop at www.sheepdairy.co.uk or email info@sheepdairy.co.uk The farm website has several ‘EweTube’ videos on its ‘About’ page, including a special feature on BBC South Today.

35

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FINDING

Tne Natural

BEAUTY Of Sussex Scenes The Art of Morag Warrack We meet Horsham artist Morag Warrack, known for her colourful paintings of flora and fauna, following a successful exhibition at The Capitol…

GETTING STARTED I enjoyed drawing and painting as a child. When I was sent to my bedroom to do homework, I usually ended up doodling!

But I didn’t want to pursue Art at college and my teacher said I was lucky to scrape a C grade at O’ Level, considering how little work I’d done. I became a school teacher instead, but my interest in art was reignited when a colleague told me about a life drawing class at Crawley College.

LIFE CHANGING I had resigned from my job as I wanted to travel. I could only squeeze in a few sessions before I flew to Australia and it turned out to be a life changing experience. The art teacher was John Thompson, who is now my husband. We moved in together after I’d spent a few months travelling and he guided me through A’ level art. At the time, I just enjoyed experimenting with different materials and styles,

whilst continuing my career in education.

FOCUS ON ART I taught English at a Muslim secondary school in West Africa before returning to England and working at a primary school. I took a break to have children, but returned to art teaching at Millais School in Horsham, initially as a short-term replacement. I ended up staying for a decade until retiring five years ago. Since then, I’ve devoted far more time and energy to my passion for drawing and painting.

FLORAL FAVOURITES John was artist-in-residence at Wakehurst Place at the time, so I would join him there. The gardens were very peaceful and inspired us both. John then moved on to Nymans at Handcross and because the visitors loved scenes depicting landscape gardens and floral displays, that was generally what I painted. Gradually my style evolved, becoming bigger and occasionally more abstract. I also experimented with poetry and prose in some pieces, which I call my ‘philosophy paintings’. I like

ART

“I'm aiming for pictures that have depth and intrigue, with hidden visuals and techniques.” to hide words in the art to give them an added sense of peace and tranquility.

FLOCK FOCUS My art often depicts wildlife. I have paintings of goldfinches, herons and robins as I like the challenge animals present. For three years, I've been art coordinator at Roffey Park Institute and for the Horsham Festival two years ago, we organised an exhibition of paintings under the subject ‘Flock’. I challenged myself to create 10 bird paintings and it was great to work with that focus. Now, having tried various styles over five years, my output has narrowed to predominantly focus on the natural world.

WHERE’S MORAG? I recently exhibited at The Capitol in Horsham. I called the exhibition ‘Where’s Morag?’ as the idea was that people could guess the scenes in the paintings. There was a beach scene of Worthing, one of Park House in Horsham and local gardens including Wakehurst.

While some of my paintings are representations of popular locations, others are meant to capture a feeling and an experience. I like a hint of abstract from time to time. I'm aiming for pictures that have depth and intrigue, with hidden visuals and techniques. When you step back, you can see what the painting represents, but inside are little puzzles too!

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“We all live such busy lives and people don't always want something busy on the wall too.”

I love the idea of adding things that you wouldn’t see in a photo.

SOOTHING TONES A lot of my output depicts bright flowers and birds. But I have recently painted beach scenes that I've deliberately kept minimal, to make them tranquil.

We all live busy lives and people don't always want something busy on the wall too. They want something soothing. These beach scenes are calmer with less colour, and the feedback to them has been encouraging. My paintings of the pebbles on Worthing beach and the cow parsley have perhaps been the pieces most remarked upon, which has been enormously gratifying for me as they best represent my artistic direction.

DOUBLE PAINTING I have an unusual method of working on two paintings at the same time. I think I’m a naturally anxious person and working on dual pieces helps me keep calm.

If I’m struggling on one and getting frustrated, I move on to the other piece. This method can help with commissions too.

It may be that someone has a certain perception in mind, but with two versions, you can be more experimental with one of the paintings.

Normally, I find it’s best to stick with your gut feeling when it comes to colours though, rather than trying to please others. Not everyone will like your style, but that’s life!

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TEACHING PRESSURE I’m still very passionate about the teaching of art to teenagers. I've returned to Millais to teach mindfulness, trying to help people lead a rich and full life.

I’ll also be running an arts award programme for teenagers during the summer holidays. The format is inspired by the Duke of Edinburgh Award, with the emphasis on art.

Teaching has become enormously stressful and children are under so much pressure, in a way that they never used to be. For many pupils, it feels like a sprint, but it's not; it's a marathon. I feel there’s a disparity between how we measure a child’s progress and

what is actually important. In my exit interview, I told the very lovely and understanding Head Teacher that of all the boxes pupils had to tick, there wasn’t one for laughter or confidence. Many passionate teachers share similar views.

INTERVIEW: BEN MORRIS PICTURES: TOBY PHILLIPS Morag will be involved in ‘The Other Summer Exhibition’ at the Green Tree Gallery at Borde Hill, Haywards Heath on 30 June 1 September. She’ll also be facilitating a ‘Fresh Air Friday’ walk on 20 July.

For more details visit www. morag.warrack.com

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MUSIC

43

LIFE IS YING AND YANG FOR

MAILMAN

ALL ABOUT HORSHAM MAGAZINE

STAN We meet Jamie ‘Stan’ Stanley, a popular supporter of the Horsham music scene. He’s about to release his second solo album as Mailman.

You are Mailman?

That’s right. Not Mailman Stan, as I often hear. The name comes from a Soundgarden song.

How long have you been performing?

I’ve been a solo act since 2010, but going back further, I’ve been in a couple of bands. When I was at university studying music production, I was in Origins of Oceania, writing and singing for the band.

How would you describe your music?

It’s always been along indie rock lines. Bands like Pink Floyd, Pearl Jam, Counting Crows and from a pop sensibility Crowded House and Nik Kershaw, have all influenced me.

This is your second solo album?

I released ‘No News is Good News’ in 2014. The recording was very good, considering we had next to no budget. The album was released by SJE Records and while I’m grateful for what they did in terms of mastering, it

wasn't the best arrangement for me because there was very little promotion.

Tell us about your second album…

It’s called ‘Yang Yin’ and it’s a double-sided album. I had a lot of material and some songs were light and poppy, while others were dark, brooding and more conceptual. It sounded like two different albums but they held equal weight for me as an artist, so I stuck them together.

So, the album has two very different sides?

Yes, but everything is balanced.

One side is light, but there is always a bit of menace or a cloud hanging over it, as that reflects the world we live in. The other side is darker and more reflective about the terrible things happening, but there is hope too.

Do the songs have a political message?

People often describe music as ‘political’ if you have something to say. In the respect, they are political. There are deliberate references to Trump and Brexit.

Both will come and go, but the themes behind them are universal.

For example, fascism is often misunderstood, but at its core it’s a delusion of supremacy, to the

WRITTEN BY LOCAL PEOPLE AAH is an independent magazine, owned and produced by Ben Morris, a life-long resident of the Horsham District.

Since the magazine was first published in May 2011, AAH has been renowned for its colourful features and superb images by Toby Phillips Photography.

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“My big bugbear with the music industry is that it's data driven.

Quality isn't really a consideration”

Mailman performing at The Anchor in 2013

point where you demonise other groups of people. That can apply to any form of elitism, imperialism or an established mindset that looks upon those that aren't part of that group as being of lesser value. We’re all capable of that to varying degrees. I have songs that touch on the subject. I wrote ‘Dear Darkness’ with Tony Blair in mind, who in my opinion embodies a narcissistic, bullying mindset. But rather than being political, I think my lyrics are more about humanity.

It sounds very dark!

Yes, but the songs have hope.

Therein lies the dual message of the album; the Yang and the Yin. Do you write lyrics first?

The music comes first and then I think about lyrics, which are important to me. Everything starts with just me and a guitar

or a piano, but because I love producing as well, I'm obsessed with the sound of each song.

The production is slick but is quite ‘old school’ as I like that punchy style. Nowadays, the focus is on producing songs to be as loud as possible and you lose a bit of feeling that way.

Who else was involved in its production?

Yang Yin was mastered by Mandy Parnell, who has worked with acts including Bjork, The XX and Brian Eno. You need a fresh perspective sometimes and Mandy has a lovely way of letting a song breathe. She was very complimentary about my mixes, which was nice to hear from a professional.

Are you signed to a label?

There's not really such a thing as a record label anymore, in the traditional sense. The industry

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has moved towards screaming and artists are more likely to make money by licensing tracks to films, TV, video games and commercials.

It's harder to find people to invest in music and if you don't have the money to promote a record, nobody is going to know about it, no matter how good it is.

Surely, the very best music is still picked up?

My big bugbear with the industry is that it's data driven to the point where quality isn't really a consideration. If an artist doesn’t have statistics to back up their music – things like Spotify followers – they won’t even listen to it. To me, that’s nonsense.

Do you have many followers?

I have 55 followers on Spotify, which sounds terrible in terms of what some musicians attract! Rather than being a negative, I'm interested to know who they are and where they come from. Fair play to them for clicking on me and sticking around.

I’m fascinated to know who in Israel is listening to my music!

There are positives to streaming then?

New technology represents a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it's brilliant in that you can get your music out there. Streaming is clearly the future and I personally would be lost without Spotify as I use it every day. On the downside, it’s data driven and is about numbers and not art. That’s not right.

Is there a chance you could still make a breakthrough?

I know how the industry works and I still feel there is absolutely a chance. While very few people buy records anymore, the demand comes from licensing. The idea of being a pop star or arena band is only a reality for a small and elite group, but songwriters can have a sustainable career through selling music elsewhere.

Do you perform live?

I regularly play acoustic gigs and organise Stan’s Showcase at The Anchor in Market Square on the last Sunday of each month, inviting other local acts to play. We’re always interested to hear from new acts and I like to support the local music scene. I’m also putting a band together to play at an album launch and a couple of musicians will join me at The Coots Farm Fair and at the Carfax on 16 June.

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The only other musician on my new album is Colin Farley from Cutting Crew, best known for ‘I Just Died in Your Arms.’

Do you play everything on the record?

The only other musician on my new album is bassist Colin Farley from Cutting Crew, best known for the eighties classic ‘I Just Died in Your Arms.’ Colin is a friend of mine and played bass with Origins of Oceania. I hope he’ll be there for the album launch too.

When is that happening?

It’s currently on hold, as we’re waiting on the results of a funding application to help promote ‘Yang Yin’. I don’t want to put the album out myself just yet, as it’ll just sit on streaming websites without anyone knowing about it. It helps to have others promoting you. I

want to do it properly as there are songs that are radio friendly and there are people out there who would enjoy the record.

Where can people hear your music?

My first album is on Spotify and if people were willing to give it a chance, I’d suggest ‘To the Last’, ‘Mad Season’ and ‘Truthkiller’. When the new album is out, I’d recommend ‘Getaway Island’, which is a rom-com soundtrack in the making, and ‘Broken Wing Cycle’. I’m releasing a double single on 1 June featuring ‘Owe It to My Heart’ and ‘The Truth Will Out’. That can be ordered on iTunes and streamed on Soundcloud (search Zeitgeist Productions). I also have YouTube videos for ‘Getaway Island’ and ‘Searchlight’.

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For more details and to listen to more of Mailman’s music, visit the website at www.mailmanstan.co.uk

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Members of Sun Oak Clog joined by musicians from Broadwood Morris during Horsham’s Day of Dance

GROUP DISCUSSION

Doing the Leg Work Sun Oak Clog Keep Alive a Traditional Dance from the Mills Horsham’s vibrant folk scene was evident at the popular Day of Dance, organised by Broadwood Morris.

When they had enough money, they would have a pint and move on to the next pub!

Among the diverse range of Morris sides was Sun Oak Clog, an all-female step-clog side that meets in Copsale.

We chatted to members Jill Moore, Diana Spadaccini, Jean Foxley and Ruth Whiddon, as well as musician Rory Foxley, to find out more.

Ruth: The workers loved the sound of the clogs and would entertain themselves during break times. When many people emigrated to America in the 19th century, the dance style evolved into tap dancing, as it was combined with Irish dancing. Charlie Chaplin started his career as a champion clog dancer.

Jill: Clog dancing stems from the industrial revolution.

People working in the cotton mills wore wooden soled shoes and would make a rhythm by tapping their heels.

Eventually, that became a dance form. Some of the best dancers would visit pubs, stand on a plinth and perform.

Jill: Here in England, the traditional clog step dance survives, particularly in the north, where many men enjoy it too. There are very few clog step sides in the south and most that do exist are female sides. But if you go to Yorkshire or Lancashire, it is common to see men involved.

Ruth: Sun Oak is a traditional clog step-dance side, meaning we use our feet, not our arms.

The side was founded in the 1980s by Kay Nightingale, who moved away from the area but still returns to Horsham for the day of dance.

Kay’s brother is a member of Broadwood Morris.

Diana: We have a set uniform, which is specially made to incorporate our logo of the sun, two oak trees and an acorn. We wear a blue waistcoat, blue skirt and white blouse with navy blue tights and red clogs. The buttons are made of Fimo (modelling clay) and are clog-shaped. Some members also have clog earrings, made by a clog maker who travels to folk festivals around the country.

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can call on them to play for us during our public performances!

Diana: The music we dance to is not the most important thing about clog step. It’s the rhythms and the dances that are the focus, as we uphold traditions dating going to the cotton mills.

However, we are fortunate that a few members are married to musicians from other sides, so we

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than the music, so they choose tunes that suit a dance. Some of the Appalachian sides prefer a more country style, but we can turn our hand to most things, so long as we haven't had too many beers!

There are only a handful of clog makers in the country, so you can’t just pick them up off the shelf!”

Jill: Some sides that dance different styles wear flat shoes, but we have curved clogs as we dance to different beats. There are only three or four clog makers in the country, so you can’t just pick them up off the shelf in a regular shoe shop.

Rory: Several os us musicians perform with Broadwood Morris but are happy to play for other Morris sides, as we love folk music and there’s a great folk community. During the Day of Dance in Horsham, we play at

locations all over town, with many sides from across the country. I play the violin, but it’s not an expensive instrument. This one was bought from the St Catherine's Hospice shop and another one I use was saved from a skip, so it doesn’t matter if it gets wet. For Sun Oak Clog, the style of dance is more important

Jean: The Day of Dance is a fantastic event. There are a few different folk festivals at places like Wimborne Minster, but Horsham does suit this type of event as its a market town. In the evening, all the different sides congregate at the Bandstand and the musicians and dancers have a great time. A few pop into The Stout House for a pint or two!

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GROUP DISCUSSION

Ruth: The Day of Dance brings us all together. Everyone has a good time and it’s a chance to chat to people that you might not have seen for a while There's a great community feel to the day, as there is in folk circles in general.

If I was to move to Cornwall or anywhere in the country, I could join a Morris side and be immediately welcomed with open arms.

Diana: When I moved to Horsham about 25 years ago, I visited the Day of Dance and saw the clog step group.

That was why I joined! I enjoyed tap dancing as a child and then forgot about it for many years, so the idea of trying something similar appealed to me.

Jean: Broadwood Morris does very well to arrange the Day of Dance and I hope it will continue for a long time. That can't be guaranteed, because sides are not attracting young members. Most are children of current or former members, as folk dancing tends to be passed down that way. Bringing in people outside of folk circles is hard.

Folk music is as popular as ever, but sadly, young people are not necessarily interested in the dancing element.

Ruth: Children love tap dancing and we often see them dancing along as we perform. Unfortunately, something happens during the teenage years that puts girls off dancing. They are worried about performing in public. In countries like France and Ireland, young people embrace and celebrate their dancing culture, but that isn’t the norm here.

That’s a shame, as young dancers have great energy and it’s fascinating to watch them.

Ruth: The most popular sides tend to be more about performance than traditional dance, with drum groups

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A drummer with the popular Mythago Morris side enjoys a Sun Oak Clog dance

“The most popular sides now tend to be more about performance than traditional dance.” doing particularly well. Perhaps our traditional style of dancing doesn’t have that appeal as it is simple clog step rhythm.

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Jill: I joined about 20 years ago, when it was already well established.

I had taught ballet in Hertfordshire for many years and tried to establish classes nearer to my home in Pulborough, but it didn't work out as there was already a ballet school in Horsham. So, I decided to try clog dancing to keep me active and that’s exactly what it does. Step clog has also given me the chance to make new friends and visit places across the south east.

Ruth: I have been dancing since 1977 and I still love it. I wouldn't change it for the world and I'll keep going for as long as my knees hold out!

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Diana: You don't need to be a particularly accomplished dancer to join Sun Oak. Having fun is the most important thing. Lots of our members enjoyed tap dancing when they were young and wanted the chance to do it again. If that’s the case for anyone out there, I would suggest they come along.

Sun Oak Clog are scheduled to perform at The White Horse in Maplehurst on 11 June, The Countryman in Shipley on 25 June, The Selsey Arms in Coolham on 9 July, The Windmill in Littleworth on 30 July, The Queens Head in Barns Green on 6 August, The Dog & Bacon in Horsham on 20 August and The Frog & Nightgown in Wimlands on 3 September.

They meet at Copsale Village Hall on Monday evenings at 7.30 – 9.30pm.

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PLAY THE RIGHT FairKind Offers a More Positive Experience

A children’s shop with a difference is growing in popularity thanks to its focus on hand-made, ethically-produced, high-quality range of toys and clothing. We meet Trish Fitzroy, owner of FairKind Child, in the midst of a major new development at Piries Place.

Is this your first shop?

I ran a health food shop in North Yorkshire for four years before moving back to West Sussex, where I grew up, with my son. My first shop was focused on ethical, sustainable products and I wanted to bring a similar ethos to a toy and gift shop. Initially, I sold

a handful of toys alongside my portrait art at craft fairs and second-hand baby shows. Having generated some positive feedback to the stall, I wanted to take the next step.

Why open a toy shop?

I focus on toys because it's what I know. I’m passionate about art therapy, creativity through play and supporting families, so this is an amalgamation of my interests.

Also, as I have a young son, I know what kind of things I wanted him to be playing with in terms of materials. You want to give children the best start in life, so why compromise by buying toys that are potentially harmful?

But aren’t those the toys that children want?

When I take my child into a typical high street toy shop, his stimulation goes through the roof. He is overwhelmed and excited, but not in a positive way.

He wants to see everything and the experience becomes stressful for him. Everything flashes and makes a noise, but children lose interest in them very quickly.

What is the alternative?

Toys that are open-ended and spark their imagination. At FairKind Child, we have wooden houses with accessories and it could be a train station, a fire

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Are more parents moving away from plastic toys?

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What sort of products do you sell in the shop?

Most of our toys are geared around learning and play. We have products like the bamboo push-along cars, cooking utensils, the wooden ark, wooden

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“Horsham is a family-orientated town and there's a great network of parents with young children all supporting one another.” dominoes and animal jigsaw puzzles like the dragon alphabet and the sausage dog number jigsaw. Everything here is unique and personal that you won't find in high street toy shops.

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There’s also a wonderful array of knitted items?

We have some beautiful rattles and dolls, like the blue chubby monster rattle with his one eye.

We have lovely rag dolls supplied by a British company working with communities in rural Bangladesh, supporting their economy and teaching young mothers the art of crochet. We are also an outlet for Lanka Kade.

They work with skilled artisans in Sri Lanka to create fair trade wooden toys, including London buses and pirate ships. I always know where and how an item is made, as it’s important to support ethically-minded businesses. Shared Earth is another company with an environmentally-conscious outlook who we work with.

Do you support Horsham companies too?

We have a range of clothing by local fashion designer Kim Fentiman’s brand, KJF From Scratch. Kim uses organic fabrics to make beautiful clothing for babies and children, featuring pineapples, dinosaurs, pandas, giraffes, vintage cars and all sorts of things. Another local parent has designed gender neutral slogan clothing. There’s a pink vest that reads: ‘Who said boys can't wear pink?’ Another reads: ‘No, I don't sleep through the night, so please stop asking my mummy.’ That one’s particularly popular!

Do you stock upcycled products as well?

I bring in a handful of products, including bags and aprons made from recycled products like drinks cans. I’m wary of not displaying too many upcycled products, as I don’t want to detract from the quality of other items. There is a fine line between what looks good and what looks a little tacky. Another small side of the shop is our range of baby care

RETAIL

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products and health food items.

A couple of people come in solely for our dairy free chocolate as there is an increasing number of children with food allergies.

There’s a different atmosphere to the shop too...

In most toy shops, parents are confronted with floor-to-ceiling shelving full of colour and toys. I wanted to create more of a family environment where parents can relax and have a cup of tea. Horsham is a familyorientated town and there's a great network of parents with young children all supporting one another. It’s quite remarkable! I’ve seen instances where children have been reunited with a glove or a hat after losing it in town, because of the network of mums on social media. When I was looking to open a shop, I hoped I’d be able to incorporate a café. That wasn’t possible and instead FairKind Child has found other ways to become a small part of that local network.

What ways are they?

We host a Monday morning art club for toddlers and pre-schoolers to get creative, with children playing with parents or grandparents. There are many clubs and support groups for mothers and babies, but not much beyond that age, so I hope I can help fill that gap. The shop has also become

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58 a venue for talks and workshops by parenting experts. I want FairKind to be not just a shop, but a place that provides information for parents of young children.

FairKind Child toys allow for more imaginative play

Has it been difficult attracting business in Piries Place?

The development work going on here has made it very difficult, although I only opened last December, so I knew what I was coming into. My hope is that I can survive the worse of the work and after a year, the shop will be established and in a better position. It’s not been easy, especially as I have a young son and worked seven days a week for the first month. Now, I have an experienced midwife who is retraining in alternative education helping me in the shop. Gradually, word of mouth has spread and we are attracting more visitors!

WORDS: BEN MORRIS PICTURES: TOBY PHILLIPS

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60

NOVEL APPRO TEENAGER JULIET PENS So, who’s this then?

Juliet Webber, a 15-year-old from Horsham who has written her first novel, Demon Slayer.

She’s 15?

That’s right. Juliet started writing her fictional fantasy book when she was only 12, completing her first draft two years later.

It’s a proper book? Not just two years’ worth of Instagram messages?

Demon Slayer is a 93,000-word story with illustrations for young adults, all without a single emoji.

That’s not normal teenage behaviour…

Juliet isn’t one for computer games, so writes when others indulge in other interests. “It was easier when I was younger, because I had less homework and no exams to occupy my mind,” she said. “I would shut myself in my room at weekends and during the holidays and write for long periods.”

Can a 15-year-old write a good novel?

Bear in mind that another female

author with a local connection, Mary Shelley, was only 19 when she started writing Frankenstein.

Jane Austen was even younger when she wrote Lady Susan.

However, Juliet admits that even in two years, her use of language has greatly improved.

“I have gone back through the book and improved the earlier chapters, as my style was more mature and descriptive towards the latter stages,” she said.

“Initially, it was shaping up to be a Hobbit-sized book, but it's ended up being quite substantial!”

What inspired Juliet to write a book?

Juliet formulated an idea for her own story after reading Chronicles of Ancient Darkness

by Michelle Paver. Juliet said: “Those books captured my imagination. I wanted to explore that idea of a magical world further, with a central character in mind. I had a basic plot but the story really unfolded as I was writing it.”

So, what’s the story about?

Demon Slayer follows the

“I feel that if I waited until I was 30 before writing this, I would have lost what it feels like to be a teenager.”

ONE TO WATCH

adventures of Laochra, a 14-year-old member of the Ash Clan, who is tasked with the dangerous mission of defeating the Demon Lord, an ‘evil being’ obsessed with ruling over the Three Kingdoms. “Demon Slayer breaks away from tradition in that it has feminist themes with a young heroine as the central character,” says Juliet.

“Laochra is supposed to stay at home and cook. She is too young and the wrong sex to be considered a warrior, but she wants to fight and discovers that she is the only person with the power to defeat the Demon Lord and save the world.”

Does the author see herself in Laochra?

The similarities end with age and hair colour. But Juliet hopes that being a teenager means she can present an emotional description of her heroine. “I feel that if I waited until I was 30 before writing this, I would have lost what it

OACH S FANTASY TALE

feels like to be a teenager. In that respect, being a young author is a positive.”

Thanks for making me feel old! I’m guessing Juliet’s good at English anyway?

She received a special Headmistress Award for English and a scholarship at Farlington School, as well as being appointed Ambassador for English and a two-time winner of the English Award.

It’s fair to say though, that writing a novel is taking her interest in the subject to another level.

Did the book require much research?

As a fictional story based in a magical world of dwarves and sorcery, the only limitations are the mind’s imagination.

However, there were small developments that required Juliet to gain a knowledge of specific matters. “At one point, the central character receives a tattoo,” said Juliet.

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needed to speak to people who have gone through that experience to understand how it felt and the pain involved.”

Juliet visited Foundry Press where paperback copies of Demon Slayer were printed (Photo: Nick Webber)

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What are Juliet’s hopes for the book?

Initially, she didn't even want anybody else to read it and viewed Demon Slayer as a personal project. However, when she finally gave friends, family and teachers at Farlington the opportunity to read it, Juliet’s confidence and excitement increased. Following an extensive proof-reading process, an initial batch of paperback copies has been printed at Foundry Press through Horshambased Chennells Book Publishing, whilst Juliet hopes to secure agency representation. So far, feedback has been positive. “I thought people would be congratulating me for the sake of it as I’ve written a book at a young age,” said Juliet. “However, those who have read Demon Slayer have really enjoyed it.”

Competitive market though, fantasy books…

Indeed, but what’s the harm in trying? Even rejection need not be the end of the world. George Orwell’s Animal Farm, H.G Wells’ The War of the Worlds and J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone are just a few examples of classic books famously rejected by countless publishers.

Whatever developments occur on this front, Juliet would like to pick up the storyline and complete a trilogy eventually.

A future Man Booker prize winner, perhaps?

Maybe, although Juliet doesn’t even aspire to be a full-time author. Instead, she hopes to become a diplomat, writing books only in her spare time!

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Juliet will be at Waterstones in Horsham on Saturday 23 June at 6.30pm. To order a copy of Juliet’s book, Demon Slayer, pop along to the signing or visit the Chennells Brook Publishing website at chennellsbrookpublishing.co.uk

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64

FULL STEAM AHE How Horsham Supported its Station, from Steam to Electricity

With the railways generating news headlines for all the wrong reasons, Jeremy Knight of Horsham Museum and Art Gallery looks at how Horsham once embraced rail travel.

The first passenger carrying, steam-driven railway opened in 1830.

It came shortly after George Stephenson’s ‘Rocket Trials’ on the Liverpool & Manchester Railway, which became the first railway to provide a regular service to passengers.

It wasn’t until 1834 that plans were put forward for the Grand Southern Railway to connect London to Brighton via Dorking, Horsham and Shoreham.

Horsham actively promoted its coming. According to Henry Burstow, who recorded many town events and developments in his book, Reminiscences of Horsham, there was “much excitement” about the railway.

A Railway Hotel was built for the prospective line, but it never came to anything. The building still stands in Brighton Road, next to the old Tanner’s Arms pub. Then in 1845, due to the various demands of the railway companies, an Act of Parliament was passed for the building of a railway line from Three Bridges to Horsham. It was planned to go no further.

The railway had to be constructed within three years of the Act being passed. First class passengers would pay 3d per mile, Second class 2d per mile and Third class 1 1/2d per mile.

Henry Burstow recounting the memorable day of its opening in his book.

‘On Monday morning 19 February 1848, the new line opened for traffic. The station terminus here was but a little plain structure standing about midway between the present station and the Railway Hotel.

A great many people went up to see the departure of the first train. There was no ceremonial send off, but there was a public dinner at The King’s Head in the afternoon, at which Mr Padwick presided.

‘I was present when the first train steamed out of the station. It was not a very long one, but as the first journey was free of expense to travellers, it was full. Some of the cars were covered and some were open. The third class were at once named “rubbish carts”.

A Second Station Horsham was connected by a single track to Three Bridges from 1848.

Nine years later, on 10 August 1857, an Act was presented to Parliament for the extension of the London and Brighton South Coast Railway from Horsham to Pulborough.

The act set out specific features

which affected the topography of the town and station: • The new line started 130 feet north east of the current passenger platform.

• The Crawley and Horsham turn-pike road, New Street Road and Station Road were altered to make way for the railway.

• Instead of a level crossing on the Horsham and Brighton Turn-pike road, a bridge was to be built. That meant raising the railway by nine foot and lowering the road by eight foot. The East Street iron bridge remains to this day.

The company had two years in which it could make compulsory purchases and four years to build the railway, before the provisions of the Act ceased.

The railway was completed and opened on 10 October 1859.

The old wooden railway station was closed and a new brick station was built on the other

HISTORY

Horsham Station in North Street pictured in 1900 (HDC/Horsham Museum)

HEAD side of the Horsham to Crawley Turn-pike road.

The station was a rather grand affair, two storeys high with two chimneys. The windows were arched in a gothic style, as was popular at the time.

Horsham station was a destination; you arrived and left in style. At the time, it was in one of the largest buildings in Horsham and the work underlined the town’s growing importance.

A petition calling for the London to Brighton line to stop at Horsham (Photo: HDC/Horsham Museum)

ten years later, it meant that there was a 51-mile link from Shoreham to Waterloo.

Meanwhile, on 6 August 1860, the Horsham and Guilford Direct Railway Act was passed.

It proposed building a railway from a double or fork junction with the mid-Sussex Railway in the parish of Itchingfield (Stammerham) to Guildford. It didn’t open until 1865.

There was a sense of pride in the town as Horsham was now being connected to a wider rail network, rather than being a dead-end terminal.

Electric Railway The announcement that the railway line would be electrified had a big impact on Horsham.

This was part of the creation of “the biggest electrified suburban railway in the world.”

The question of electrification was not straightforward and there was much debate. Should railways use a third line or overhead cables?

The third rail system was a lot cheaper. Also, tunnels and road bridges didn’t have the

headroom for overhead wiring, so the third-rail system was applied throughout the Southern Railway network.

This meant that Brighton, which had adopted the overhead system for its commuter trains, had to change.

One of the first lines to be electrified was Waterloo to Guilford and Dorking, completed in 1925. There was a 12-year hiatus before the line was electrified to Horsham and beyond.

One of the many advantages of electrification was that it

The first railway engine in Horsham (HDC/Horsham Museum)

Horsham’s first station in 1848 (HDC/Horsham Museum)

Rural Connection When this Act was presented to parliament, another plan was put forward. The proposal was for construction of a 30-mile railway linking Shoreham to Horsham. It also connected Steyning, Henfield, West Grinstead and Cowfold.

The line would make it easier and cheaper to take agricultural produce to market. It was also proposed that the line would link to another new line between Leatherhead and Dorking.

When work was finally completed

65

Station Road was once dominated by J & S Agate’s timber merchants (Photo: HDC/Horsham Museum)

66

COLUMN RSPB Pulborough Brooks

Image: RSPB

Electrification came to Horsham Station in 1938 (HDC/Horsham Museum)

Keep an eye out for Beautiful Bats

Horsham Station was rebuilt to coincide with the electrification (HDC/Horsham Museum & AAH/Toby Phillips)

allowed for faster acceleration and braking, greater capacity on the railway line and meant that trains could call at more stops.

Station Rebuilt Whilst the electrification of the track was essential, what grabbed the public’s imagination was the rebuilding of the railway station.

In December 1937, the County Times ran an article under the heading “£100,000 Railway Station for Horsham.”

‘The building of Horsham’s new railway station, which will be one of the most important events in the history of the town during the New Year, is to cost about £100,000. It is hoped to have it erected by next December, four months after the completion of the electrification of the lines from London to Portsmouth, via Horsham.

‘Involving 76 route miles, the electrification scheme is costing the company nearly £3,000,000. It is already well

under way between Dorking North and Horsham, and Three Bridges and Horsham and it will be finished by July.

‘The remodelling of the town’s station necessitates the pulling down of the present one and the erection of a new one.

Everything will be on the most modern lines, pleasing to everyone. The front of the station will face the centre of town instead of the junction of North Street and Hurst Road, as it does at present. There will be a commodious hall and larger booking office.

‘The platforms between the lines will be approached by a bridge with stairways, instead of the present subway. On each platform, waiting rooms, restaurants and convenience will be provided.’

On 13 May 1938, the County Times ran an article about the first electric train to have arrived at Horsham Station, on its way to Amberley.

The train visited Horsham on several occasions on the Sunday and attracted a good deal of attention, as a

journalist on board explained: ‘The train was watched by many people in houses, cottages and fields as it passed, sometimes at 50mph or 60mph. During the week, residents along the newly electrified line have seen several electric trains.’

Railway traffic increased by 13% in the first year. When, in 1948, British Rail was formed by nationalisation of the various railway companies, they held their first ever public exhibition in Horsham Town Hall, celebrating the centenary of railways in Horsham.

WORDS: JEREMY KNIGHT PICTURES: HDC/HORSHAM MUSEUM & ART GALLERY/TOBY PHILLIPS

For fascinating insights into the history of the Horsham district, visit the Museum on the Causeway or visit www.horshammuseum.org

As the sun sets on these summer nights, take the opportunity to observe one of our most overlooked species of mammal; the bat.

Being nocturnal, it is easy to forget about the bat, and even more so because they spend the winter months in hibernation, but with 17 resident bat species here they actually make up nearly a quarter of mammal species in the UK. You will have heard the expression “blind as a bat” but I’m here to tell you there is absolutely no truth in it!

Their eyesight is just as good as ours during the day, but they have to employ echolocation in order to hunt their prey at night.

The high-pitched sounds they emit bounce off nearby objects and back into the bats’ specialised ears – from this, they can suss out exactly where their prey is, how fast it’s going and in which direction.

Once caught, most bats will consume their food on the wing. The common and soprano pipistrelle (the soprano has a higher frequency ‘call’ but you’ll need a bat detector to hear the difference) can devour up to 3,000 insects per night! Between April and September, stand below large trees where the abundance of moths, beetles and other tasty invertebrates will draw the bats in.

If there is a lake or river nearby, look out for the larger Daubenton’s bat, who will be hunting for caddisflies and mayflies close to the water’s surface.

Emily Summers RSPB Pulborough

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